Petrus
Petrus

Petrus

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Petrus is one of the most famous grand crus in the world. Even though it's not included in any classifications, Petrus shines through its expertise and the quality of its wines. In the Pomerol AOC, the vineyard is situated on the highest mound of the appellation, reaching an altitude of 40 meters. The soil, composed mainly of clay, suits well the Merlot which makes up 95% of the grape varieties. The estate's approximately 12 hectares are subject to constant work and permanent attention to detail. Petrus is considered more accessible for tasting than some of its illustrious peers.

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The history of Petrus

 

The history of Petrus is tinged with originality, mystery, and strong personalities. Although known worldwide, it does not appear in any classification (due to its belonging to the Pomerol appellation).

 

Existing since 1770 under the banner of the Arnaud family, the estate was then called Petrus-Arnaud. The name "Petrus" comes from the Latin "Pierre" in reference to the apostle Saint Peter, whose statue can be found on the estate. The estate grew in the shadow of its famous neighbor Château Vieux Certan and by the end of the 19th century equaled the second growths. The property was bought at the beginning of the 20th century by Mr. Sabin-Douarre, who created the civil society of Château Petrus.

 

The story takes a turn in 1925, when Marie-Louise Loubat, owner of a hotel in Libourne, begins to gradually buy shares of the Petrus company until becoming the sole owner in 1945. She partners with Jean-Pierre Moueix, and together they worked with great efficiency to develop Petrus's reputation and raised its price to the level of the first growths of the Médoc. Upon Mrs. Loubet's death in 1961, the estate was divided between her two nephews and Jean-Pierre Moueix. Quickly, the latter bought out the heirs' shares and expanded the vineyard in 1964 by acquiring 5 hectares from Château Gazin. Jean-Pierre Moueix's sons and grandsons would then succeed each other at the head of Petrus. The management is currently held by Olivier Berrouet, son of the famous oenologist Jean-Claude Berrouet. The winery was completely renovated in 2014. In 2018, American-Colombian businessman Alejandro Santo Domingo acquired a 20% stake in the Petrus company for the tidy sum of 200 million euros, valuing the estate at one billion euros.

 

 

Petrus and its prestigious ambassadors

 

Two events contributed to Petrus's reputation worldwide, well coordinated by Marie-Louise Loubat.

First, in 1947, to celebrate the engagement of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, Mrs. Loubat sent a case of Petrus to the future queen. The princess fell in love with this wine, and 6 months later it became the wine presented at the dinner table of the wedding of the future Queen of England. The guests were delighted and promoted what was then an unknown wine; the entire world now knew the name Petrus.

It was then the Kennedys who discovered Petrus wine and proclaimed it as their favorite wine.

  

 

What are the characteristics of Petrus wines?

 

The estate is located in the commune of Pomerol, stretching from Libourne to Saint Emilion on a hill called La Boutonnière, with an area of 11.3 hectares. The soil is characterized by a particular composition combining gravel and blue clay (called crasse de fer). Compared to surrounding vineyards, the iron concentration in the soil is much higher, allowing it to store a greater quantity of water, ensuring a regular water supply to the vines, even in case of drought.

 

The grape variety, previously composed of Merlot (95%) and Cabernet Franc (5%), has been 100% Merlot since 2010. The harvest is done manually with meticulous selection. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, and the wine is aged for 18 to 22 months in new oak barrels.

 

This wine has a unique character that combines power and density with refined elegance and pure expression. It offers complex aromas with floral nuances characteristic of great Pomerol wines, a deep texture accompanied by velvety tannins, and an incredible length on the palate. Its ability to age for several decades makes it an exceptional wine highly sought after worldwide.

 

The best vintages of Petrus

 

A total of 11 vintages have obtained a 100% Parker score: Petrus 1921, 1929, 1947, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018

 

In addition, it's worth mentioning the Petrus vintages 1945, 1950, 1970, 1975, 1982, which are also magnificent.

 

 

Food and wine pairings

 

Petrus wine pairs wonderfully with characterful dishes, such as red meats (beef, game), dark meat poultry (duck, guinea fowl), or dishes with sauce. Aged pressed cooked cheeses (Comté, Gruyère, Emmental) and chocolate desserts also work wonders paired with the complexity of Petrus wines.

 

What is the price of a bottle of Petrus?

 

The price of a bottle of Petrus wine obviously depends on the vintage. While prices start around €2000, they quickly soar, and the best years can reach sums exceeding €6000. In auction rooms, bids can reach staggering heights; in 2018, a bottle was sold for 48,000 euros. However, these prices will never match the price of the bottle estimated as the most expensive in the world: the Petrus 2000 "space vintage", which spent 14 months on the ISS and is estimated at €830,000.

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